May 15 - 17 | The Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, Macao, China
PAS 2024 Event Photos 📸
Share memorable #PAS2024 moments with photos from our live event album!
Featured Destination: Macao, China
The PATA Annual Summit 2024, generously hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office and SJM Resorts, S.A., embraces a global tourism forum that brings together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.
As this Asia travel conference unfolds, it will serve as a nexus for dialogue, collaboration, and action, propelling the industry towards a future defined by resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
The extensive programme, comprised of plenary sessions, breakout sessions, the PATA Executive Board and Board meetings, and Annual General Meeting, will provide a platform for PATA’s public and private sector members, partners, and PATA Chapters and Youths from around the world to discuss the challenges, issues and opportunities facing the industry as it looks towards the responsible and sustainable growth, value, and quality of tourism in the region.
The three-day programme consists of:
PATA Board Meeting &
PATA Power of Networking (for PATA Member Only)
Featured Speakers
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes
Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)
Daisy Ho
Managing Director, SJM Resorts
Peter Semone
Chair, PATA
Dane Cheng
Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board
Florian Sengstschmid
CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board
Raki Phillips
CEO, Ras Al
Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)
Manisha Saxena
Director General (Tourism), Ministry
of Tourism, India
Fathmath Thaufeeq
CEO & Managing Director, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (Visit Maldives)
Gerry Perez
Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau
YB Dato Dennis Ngau
Chairman, Sarawak Tourism Board
Pansy Ho
Group Executive Chairman & Managing Director, Shun Tak Holdings Limited
Andrew Staples
Head of Policy Research (APAC), Economist Impact
Mich Goh
Head of Public Policy, Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong & Taiwan, Airbnb
David Fowler
Vice President and Head, Cross-Border & Sales Excellence- Asia Pacific, Visa
Fabrizio Angelo Orlando
Global Director, Industry Affairs, Tripadvisor
Sarah Wang
Regional Director - Asia, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
Mayur (Mac) Patel
Head of Asia, OAG
Xin Mok
Director, Public Sector, Mastercard Asia-Pacific
Yang Li
Head of Public Affairs, Asia Pacific, Booking.com
Olivier Ponti
Director - Intelligence & Marketing, Forwardkeys
Steve Lai
Chief Presenter,
BBC News
Chris Cocker
CEO, Pacific
Tourism Organisation
(SPTO)
Liu Shijun
Vice Chairman, World Tourism Alliance (WTA)
Alan Elliott Merschen
Executive Director of Specialist Publication, The SIGMUND
Project
Caroline Bremner
Senior Head of Travel Research, Euromonitor International
Henry Oh, Jr.
Chairman, Korea Association of
Travel Agents
Jesper Palmqvist
Senior Director - Asia Pacific, STR
Professor Haiyan Song
Associate Dean
and Chair
Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Simon Lloyd
Dean - Hospitality Management and Business Administration,
Dusit Thani College
Dr. Diamantina Coimbra
Vice-Rector, Macao University of
Tourism
Lee Williamson
Executive Director
of Specialist Publications, South China Morning Post
Jonathan Song
Global Director of Business Development, Plaza Premium Group
Catarina Lio
Senior Vice President- Brand Marketing, MGM Macau
Barry Ip
Vice President – Learning & Advancement,
Wynn Macau, Limited
Steve Chan
Senior Manager - Training & Development - Human Resources, Sands China Ltd.
Hannah Pearson
Regional Director APAC, Adventure Travel Trade Association
Ian Stazicker
Partner, Churchill & Partners; Founder and Managing Director, Nelian Pty Ltd
Brendan Sobie
Independent
Analyst and Consultant, Sobie Aviation
Adam Platt-Hepworth
Director of
Emerging Ventures, Discova
Dr. Dori Davari
Assistant Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Maria Paz Alberto
Chairperson, PATA Philippine Chapter; President, Ark Travel Express, Inc.
Boris Miketic
President, Croatia Travel/ Boris World of Travel
Jonathan Low
CEO, Global
Success Learning Academy
Min Ye Swan
Student - International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Bangkok University International
PATA-WTCF China Dialogue Speakers
Soon Hwa Wong
PATA Ambassador for Greater China
Chen Bo
Executive Director,
World Tourism
Cities Federation
George Cao
Co Founder & CEO, Dragon Trail International
Zhang Jing
II Level Consultant
of Large Events Division of Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau
Fan Hui
Vice Director General,
Qingdao Culture and Tourism Bureau
Xia Jun
Vice Director General,
Nanjing Culture
and Tourism Bureau
Albert Yip
Director General, Sanya Tourism Board
Ning Guo Xing
Chief Government Officer, UTour
Leo Liu
Vice President, Mastercard
Yan Lanru
General Manager
of Smart Tourism, Qunar.com
Qin Qin
Deputy General Manager, Shenzhen Century Holiday
Sunny Li
Vice President, China, Artyzen Hotel Group
Lylia Shen
General Manager of Government Relations, Funyard Hotels & Resorts
Professor Dr. Jingjing Guan
Associate Dean at the school of tourism & urban - rural planning, Zhejiang Gongshang University
Associate Professor Dr. Jun Wu
Director of International Affairs at the school of tourism & urban - rural planning, Zhejiang Gongshang University
Programme
Day 1: Wed, May 15
- All Day:
- Registration
- Morning:
- PATA Executive Board Meeting
- Education Roundtable
- Afternoon:
- PATA Board Meeting
- PATA Power of Networking
- PATA Life Member Get-together
- PATA Executive Board & Board Dinner hosted by MGTO
Day 2: Thu, May 16
- All Day:
- Registration
- Morning:
- PATA Youth Symposium
- Government Roundtable & Industry Roundtable
- Government Bilateral Meeting
- PATA Chapter Congress
- PATA-WTCF China Dialogue
- Afternoon:
- Main Conference
- Presentation: State of the World Economy
- Panel Discussion: Marketing & Branding in APAC Tourism
- Presentation: Reimagining Your Business Model
- Leaders Dialogue: Future-proofing Travel and Tourism Policies
- Press Conference
- Partnerships for Tomorrow
- Evening
- Welcome Dinner Reception & PATA Awards Presentation hosted by SJM
Day 3: Fri, May 17
- Morning:
- Main Conference
- In Conversation with Pansy Ho
- Presentation: Key Travel and Tourism Trends to Watch
- Panel Discussion: Where are We Heading?
- Presentation: Hotel Industry Trends
- Presentation: Air Travel Trends & Outlook in APAC
- Navigating the Skyline: Aviation's Evolution in Asia Pacific
- Breakout Session 1-2
- 1: Travel Technology Roundtable
- 2: Educational Tourism
- Afternoon:
- Offsite Experience
- Portuguese & Macanese Dessert Workshop
- Portuguese Blue Tile "Azulejo" Painting Workshop
- Main Conference
- Breakout Session 3-4
- 3: Nightime Economy
- 4: The Future of Travel Agents in the Age of AI
- Presentation: Key Learnings from Upcoming PATA Human Capital Development Report
- Panel Discussion: Deep Dive into the Future of Tourism Workforce
- Presentation: Gastronomy Tourism: Balancing Innovation with Local Preservation
- Panel Discussion: Tourism Synergies to Diversify Economy
- Closing Keynote: The Future of Travel and Tourism
- Closing
- Evening:
- Complimentary Open Top Bus Night Tour
Day 4: Sat, May 18
- Morning:
- Complimentary Half-day Macao City Tour
- Afternoon:
- Self-paying Hengqin Tour/ Departure
- Complimentary Half-day Tour to Hong Kong / Departure
Best Cultural Attire Competition @ PAS
Join us in celebrating the vibrant tapestry of cultures represented at the PATA Annual Summit 2024! In honour of the diverse gathering of delegates from over 30 destinations, PATA proudly presents the Best Cultural Attire Competition, a showcase of traditional attire and cultural pride.
Held during the PAS 2024 Welcome Dinner on May 16 evening, this event invites all delegates to dress in the splendid colours and intricate designs of their respective national costumes in celebration of diversity, cross-cultural understanding, and the rich heritage of each destination.
There will be 6 winners across all categories, 2 for each category.
The Categories:
Most Creative
A tribute to innovation and ingenuity, this category recognises costumes that skillfully blend contemporary fashion with traditional elements, showcasing a unique and imaginative interpretation of cultural identity.
10 points
Most Traditional
This category pays homage to authenticity and heritage, honouring costumes that faithfully capture the essence and spirit of their cultural roots, preserving centuries-old traditions with grace and authenticity.
10 points
Grand Champions
This title is awarded to the highest-scoring candidates from the Most Creative and Most Traditional categories. In addition to their costumes, the winners should be able to excellently personify the destinations that they are representing (+ an extra ‘wow’ factor)
Judging Process:
PATA Staff will shortlist candidates
Judges will deliberate during the Hosted Dinner
Winners will be announced at the end of the Hosted Dinner
PAS 2024 Registration
Conference Delegate Registration Fee includes:
Access to the Summit & all functions listed in the programme including dinners, lunches, and coffee breaks
Complimentary City Tour
Airport transfer to/from official hotels
US $10 carbon offset
Discounted Airfare for PAS 2024 Delegates:
Air Macau has generously offered 25% off on air tickets purchased via Air Macau website. Contact PATA Events to get the discount code after you have registered.
Official Venue & Hotel
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Grand Lisboa Palace
The Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau (“Grand Lisboa Palace”) celebrates the grand union of the best from East and West, emanating cross-cultural and legendary heritage. As part of the SJM Resorts, S.A., this newest member of the widely recognised Lisboa brand sets a new standard for hospitality excellence. Situated in Cotai, Macao, this resort brings together world-class brands and distinguished styles of accommodation, gastronomy, retail, entertainment, and wellness indulgence, complemented by one-of-a-kind wedding, event and meeting venues.
Grand Lisboa Palace, uniting world-class excellence and visionary aesthetics in one integrated resort, redefines travelling and leisure experiences, giving new meaning to what's already legendary.
Comprising 3 stunning hotel towers, the resort offers sumptuous accommodation that combines exquisite, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star comfort and extraordinary aesthetics. Immerse yourself in European and Chinoiserie-inspired opulence.
PATA Special Room Rate
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For the duration between May 12-19, the rate per night is as below:
Grand Deluxe Twin (Garden View): MOP 1,559.4
Grand Deluxe Twin: MOP 1444.4
Deluxe King/Twin (Garden View): MOP 1214.4
Deluxe King/Twin: MOP 1099.4
The price is inclusive of 10% service charge and 5% tax, exclusive of breakfast.
Breakfast at Grand Buffet can be booked in advance at the rate of MOP 172.5/room (1 or 2 pax) per day (Walk-in rate: MOP 308.2/room per day).
Deposit Policy: All reservations must be guaranteed by a full advance payment for the first room night cost, including any applicable tax and service charge at the time of reservation via a valid credit card or designated form of e-payment.
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation or amendment before 6 PM local time one day prior to the arrival date, deposit will be forfeited otherwise.
Booking Links for Offsite Educational Experience and Complimentary Tours will be sent directly to registered PATA Annual Summit 2024 Delegates. All availabilities are on a first-come-first-served basis.
Offsite Educational Experience
— REGISTRATION CLOSED —
Experience 1:
Portuguese & Macanese Dessert Workshop: “Pastel de Nata & Genete”
Duration & Availability: 3 hours, 30 pax
Portuguese egg tart: Its crispy, flaky crust holding a creamy custard center, blistered on top from the high heat of an oven. This delicacy was created before the 18th century by Catholic moks in the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO Heritage Site today.
Genetes: Simple buttery cornstarch cookies with airy powdery texture that melts into the mouth. The Macanese's genetes are often served in family gatherings during Christmas time.
Portuguese egg tarts will be enjoyed by the end of the workshop and the Genetes can be packaged for participants as a Macanese momento to bring home.
Experience 3:
Portuguese Blue Tile “Azulejo” Painting Workshop
Duration & Availability: 3 hours, 30 pax
Influenced by Portuguese culture, Portuguese Azulejo Tiles remain very popular and can be found on street signs, churches and building walls in Macao.
The practice of this craft is also representative of the harmonious co-existence of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macao. The transmission and continuity of this industry also reflects the multicultural dimension of the local community, being a good example of the diversity that exists in the decorative elements of the city’s urban spaces.
Instructor will provide various stencils or for the more creative participants may opt to free-hand their unique sketches and designs with guidance. The painted tile will serves as a keep-sake for years to treasure.
Complimentary Tours
May 17 Night — FULLY BOOKED —
Complimentary night tour on May 17 for a panoramic view of Macao’s streets illuminated by opulent hotels and dazzling landmarks on the open top bus. The tour will pick up and drop off at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort.
2030-2115 (around 45 mins): “Cruising through Macao’s Night Skyline”
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Macau Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal
Fisherman's Wharf
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Kun Iam Ecumenical Center
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Centro de Ciência de Macau
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Wynn Macau (StarWorld Hotel)
Hotel Lisboa
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Macau Tower
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New Yaohan (Grand Emperor Hotel)
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Vila da Taipa Historical Center Archway
The Londoner Hotel
The Venetian Hotel
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Galaxy Macau™ Integrated Resort (Crystal Lobby)
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Studio City Macau
The Parisian Macao
May 18 Morning — REGISTRATION CLOSED —
Complimentary half-day tour on May 18 morning around Macao’s iconic sites and heritages.
Organised by Macao Government Tourism Office.
0900-1300 (around 4 hours): “Tour at Macao Heritage, Coloane and Taipa”
St. Dominic's Church, Museum of Sacred Art
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Rua dos Ervanarios
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Ruins of St. Paul’s
Travessa da Paixão
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Senado Square
Lai Chi Vun Shipyards
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Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory
May 18 Afternoon — FULLY BOOKED —
Complimentary half-day tour on May 18 afternoon to Hong Kong SAR to visit the latest landmarks.
1500-1900 (around 4 hours): “From Imperial Splendour to Luminous Delights: Exploring Hong Kong's Treasures”
Embark on a journey to Hong Kong SAR’s latest world-class cultural landmark, Hong Kong Palace Museum, to relish the art and culture of the Forbidden City from a fresh perspective. Be immersed in the city’s well-known spectacular Victoria Harbourfront and enjoy interacting with the colourful luminous ovoid installations.
Photo © Leisure and Cultural Services Department, HKSARG
Coach transfer from The Grand Lisboa Palace Resort to Hong Kong SAR is included. Two dismissal points: 1) Admiralty Station in Hong Kong at 19:00 and 2) Hong Kong International Airport at 19:45.
Self-paying Tour
Adjacent to Macao’s Taipa and Coloane districts, Hengqin is an island that lies mostly in Zhuhai, a prefecture-level city and special economic zone in China’s Guangdong Province. The area features pure, clear water and lush green forests, with the well-famed Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, resorts, beautiful hills, ports and more. It is a great destination for entertainment, shopping, and delicious oysters.
May 18 Afternoon — REGISTRATION CLOSED —
1430-2100 (around 6 hours): “Highlight Tour of Hengqin”
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Hengqin New Area Exhibition Hall
Mangzhou Wetland Park
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Buffet Dinner at Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel
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Shows at Hengqin Chimelong Theater
For those who need to apply for a China visa, please register before May 9. Booking for all closes on May 13.
About Macao, China
Macao is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, cultural festivals with world-class integrated resorts, festive events and vibrant entertainment. Tourists visit to explore its historic sites, try its famous diverse gastronomy offerings, including street food, and experience its lively leisure and gaming industry.
Though a small economy, Macao pursues an open economic policy. It boasts one of the lowest tax regimes in the Asia Pacific region and sound financial stability. As a free port and a separate tariff zone, which has no foreign exchange controls, Macao is an active player in the regional economy and a vital link between the mainland Chinese and global markets.
Macao's intangible cultural heritage encompasses a diverse range of practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations. This includes oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, rituals, and the know-how behind traditional crafts. The designation of Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017 adds powerful international branding to the city’s portfolio.
Want to explore the best of Macao: Heritage Sites, Attractions, Food Spots…?
Getting there (Macau International Airport)
Macau International Airport is the primary airport serving the region and is located on Taipa Island, one of the two main islands in Macao. The airport is conveniently located just a 15 to 20-minute drive from the city centre.
You can also reach Macao directly from the Hong Kong International Airport via ferry, bus, or cross-border coach, with the journey typically taking about one hour.
Visa Information
Please visit https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/travelessential/before-you-travel/entry-requirements for the countries that require a visa to enter Macao, China, and contact your local embassy to apply for a visa if needed.
All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six (6) months.
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Macao Standard Time (MST) is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+8).
The Macanese Pataca (MOP) is the official currency in Macao. 8 Macau Patacas = 1 US dollar (Nov 21, 2023).
While the Macanese Pataca is the official currency, Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are also widely accepted in Macao, and many businesses in Macao will display prices in both MOP and HKD.
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Macao's culture is a blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences due to its history, thus, the official languages of Macao are Chinese and Portuguese. These languages reflect Macao’s unique history.
While Chinese (specifically Cantonese) is the most widely spoken language in Macao, Portuguese holds a special status and is used in official and government contexts.
Major religions: Buddhism and Taoism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
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Macao has a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Here's an overview of the climate in Macao throughout the year:
1. Spring (March to May): ⭐️
Spring in Macao is pleasantly warm and relatively dry. Temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). It's a popular time for tourists to visit because of the comfortable weather.
2. Summer (June to August):
Macao experiences hot and humid summers. Temperatures can range from 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F) or higher. It's also the rainy season, with occasional heavy downpours and the possibility of typhoons.
3. Autumn (September to November):
Autumn in Macao is characterized by gradually cooling temperatures and decreasing humidity. It's a pleasant time for outdoor activities, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F).
4. Winter (December to February):
Winters in Macao are mild and relatively dry. Temperatures can range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). While it's not extremely cold, it's advisable to bring some warm clothing, especially for evenings.
5. Typhoon Season:
Macao can be affected by typhoons, with the typhoon season typically occurring from June to October. Typhoons can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptions to travel plans.
Macao can be affected by typhoons, with the typhoon season typically occurring from June to October. Typhoons can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptions to travel plans.
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The international dialling code for Macao is +853. When making international calls to Macao, you would typically dial your country's exit code, followed by +853, and then the local number in Macao. For example, calling Macao from Thailand: 001 (exit code for Thailand) +853(country code) + area code + number.
The emergency hotline number for Macao is 999.
Electricity
Electricity in Macao is at 230V, 50Hz. The power plugs used in Macao are of the three-pin, square-shaped or round-shaped type. It is suggested to check before using an electrical appliance.
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Questions? Please contact us at Sponsorship@PATA.org
PATA Annual Summit 2024 is proudly supported by:
Host
Co-hosted by
PATA - WTCF China Dialogue
Partner
Sponsor
VIP Lunch Sponsor
Coffee Cart Sponsor & Supporting Media Partner
PATA Youth Symposium Host
PATA Youth Sponsors
Event Tech Partners
Official Carrier
Supporting Media Partners
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